"Are you ready for round two?"
With these words, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo officially launched his re-election campaign for the top position of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).
Atleo has been national chief since 2009 when it took 23 long hours in Calgary to declare him the victor over challenger Perry Bellegarde. This year the battleground will be Toronto at the AFN assembly from July 17 to 19. Voting will begin on July 18.
The Atleo team has learned a thing, or two, since that election, said Grand Chief Doug Kelly of the Sto:lo Nation. Like: Team Atleo loves Atleo more than the other teams love their candidates, he said. And there was a lot of love in the room on May 24 where a couple of hundred supporters returned to the place where it all began in 2009, the Chief Joe Mathias Centre in Squamish territory.
Photos from May 24: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/shawn-atleo-national-chief-launches-re-election-campaign
A-in-chut announced his leadership intentions in ‘Joe’s House’ back then, and he gathered friends and supporters again to begin his bid for a second term in office.
Squamish Chief Ian Campbell and the Squamish singers, dressed in full regalia, led the national chief into the hall singing late Joe Mathias’ song. Campbell welcomed people to his territory and commended A-in-chut on his commitment over the past three years to affect change to the policies and laws of Canada that have “impeded” First Nations authority.
After a moment of reflection to remember those people who had gone before and standing with Atleo before the assembled, the Squamish then sang the Warrior Song, because there was still more work to be done, said Campbell.
Tawanee Joseph, who led the Four Host First Nations participation in the 2010 Olympics held in Vancouver, served as emcee for the night. He said he was honored to help kick-start the movement that will lead to Toronto in July.
Atleo’s close friend and long-time colleague Michelle Corfield introduced A-in-chut with a speech that spoke about her prediction in 2000 that he would one day be the chief of chiefs. She recounted the steps he had taken to get to this day, and said the national chief had put down the foundation for the work to come in this second term.
“His work is not done,” she said to roaring applause and a standing ovation as Atleo joined her before his supporters. He told them that he was filled with gratitude for the life that he had.
Atleo spoke of his roots in Ahousaht and his family, including his late grandmother that had been at his side in Calgary as he struggled over the hours in his first AFN election. He said it was her strength that helped sustain him ballot after ballot. That, and the strength of his wife Nancy, their two children Tyson and Tara, his mom Mare and dad Umeek Dr. Richard Atleo.
He remembered his Granny Elsie as they were nearing the 5 o’clock a.m. mark of that first election. People were lying down and tired out, he said, but she told them “We are potlatch people. We can go all night long.”
Atleo said the 2009 theme of his campaign was “It’s Our Time.” This time the theme is “Stronger Together.” He spoke about the struggles of many nations and the change that happens when all First Nations come together in unity to help them. He said people try to divide First Nations with our “so-called differences”—treaty, non-treaty; on reserve and off. But change occurs when the focus is put on coming together despite those differences.
Atleo then admitted something to the gathering. He said that even very recently he had wondered “why am I here?” referring to the leadership path he had walked in his adulthood.
“I wanted to be a chef,” he said.
But during a trip to northern Manitoba he met a boy named Jayden who made it crystal clear, so that he has no doubt why he has come to be in the position of national chief.
He described the home where Jayden lived. It was a 12 ft. by 13 ft. building with no running water, no electricity, with a slop bucket on the porch because there were no toilets. But despite living in what many of us would consider extreme poverty, Jayden had big plans for his life, said Atleo.
“I want to work in the Northern Store,” said Jayden. He had hope and optimism, and the boy stays in Atleo’s mind and heart.
Atleo said it is the young Jaydens in First Nations across Canada that galvanizes his resolve to create a better world. A-in-chut promised he will be relentless as he seeks equality in their chances for educational success.
Atleo also spoke about another tremendous challenge facing First Nations and that is the issue around water protection. He said we can choose a vision where the quality of our lakes, rivers and streams are pristine. He said First Nations have inherited a responsibility around the stewardship of their environment.
It’s time, he said.
“The Jayden’s need us to be bold now.” He said the birds, fish, plants and animals need us now.
The Atleo election team had gathered A-in-chut’s official endorsers together and they made a public display of signing his nomination papers. First was Ahousaht Chief Councillor John O. Frank who was the nominator; then a stream of chiefs sat down to endorse that nomination, including Listuguj Chief Allison Matallic from Atlantic Canada.
Ahousaht, Atleo’s home community, were well represented at the event, including hereditary leadership. Tyee Ha’wilth Maquinna Lewis George and wife Cathy brought their own special brand of endorsement to the launch.
Grand Chief Doug Kelly and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, twin generals in the first election bid, also pledged their support for this second run.
Kelly said there had been questions about Atleo’s ability in 2009.
“Is he old enough? Is he strong enough? Is he experienced enough? Can he do the job of national chief? And we said ‘Yes.’”
Kelly said Atleo had shown us through his lived teachings that “love wins over hate every time. That truth will triumph over lies. And that culture and spirituality will sustain us.”
The fear and doubts about Atleo’s leadership have been proved unfounded, Kelly said.
Said Phillip: “I am absolutely convinced that you will be re-elected.”
Phillip said Atleo has been “aptly described as the National Chief of Hope.” Rather than dwell on a dark history that includes the residential school experience, Atleo works hard to come up with solutions to the challenges facing First Nations people. He has made himself accessible to nations from coast to coast to coast.
“I admire your deep commitment.”
There were many similar speeches made May 24, but it may be the songs that stay with Atleo as he embarks on his re-election campaign.
Chief Willie Charlie closed the evening with a prayer song to protect Atleo. He said when prayers are offered for someone they often are touched immediately by them. Charlie said he hoped the prayer song will sustain Atleo and give him strength over the next few months.
“It is still our time, and we are stronger together.”
